M. John Scanlan Funeral Home

Clara Haley
(Died January 1, 2012)

Clara Sacker Haley of Valdese, NC passed away on January 1, 2012 after a long and corageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born May 7, 1917 in Paterson, NJ and lived for many years in Butler, NJ before moving to live in Valdese with her daughter in 2008.

A life-long member of the German Christ Methodist Church in Paterson, Clara was active in all aspects of the Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter "Bill" Haley; her mother, Marie Soder Sacker; her father, August Sacker; her brother, Marine Corp. Lt. August "Auggie" Sacker; and her best friend and sister, Marie Luckemeier.

Clara devoted her life to her family, friends, child and grandchildren. She was a loving, caring, and supportive daughter to her parents and siblings; a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all who knew her. She was very shy and private by nature, yet she always was helpful towards any who needed assistance. Even in her early 90's she volunteered in her Butler New Jersey Senior Residence.

She loved music and nature; the mountains, the sea, creeks, lakes, meadows, animals, flowers, her garden and wildlif Clara was a remarkable cook, baker, and a gifted seamstress. She had an unending vapacity for loving, giving, empathy and compassion to all that knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Haley Donato of Valdese, NC, formerly of Kinnelon, NJ; grandsons, David, Robert, and Michael Donato of NJ; and great granddaughter Hailey Marilyn Donato and great grandson Anthony James Donato of Texas.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 4 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, Pompton Plains. A funeral service will be held at 8 pm. Interment will be private.